Observation of a Broad L=1 cbar{q} State in B⁻to D^(*+)π⁻π⁻ at CLEO

Using 4.7 fb^-1 of data taken at CESR at energies at and near the Upsilon(4S) we have studied the decay B- -> D{*+}pi-pi- (and its conjugate). We observe a new, broad charmed meson state, which we interpret as D_J(j=1/2), in its decay to D{*+}pi-. Our preliminary results indicate the mass and width of this L=1 state to be m = (2461 +41/-3} +/-10 +/-32) MeV and Gamma = (290 +101/-79 +/-26 +/-36) MeV, with the third uncertainty associated with the parameterization of the relative strong phases. In addition we have measured several new branching fractions of charged B mesons. All quoted results are preliminary.